Raleigh, N.C. – Drivers across central North Carolina are facing a wet and potentially hazardous morning commute as a broad area of moderate to locally heavy rain continues moving east across the Piedmont. The greatest concern through the midmorning hours is localized flooding, particularly along the Interstate 85 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, widespread showers and embedded thunderstorms will continue spreading east through the morning, creating difficult travel conditions across the Triangle, including Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The highest risk for heavy rain and flooding extends along Interstate 85 from Burlington east-northeast to Henderson, where an additional 1 to 3 inches of rainfall could fall through midmorning.
Forecasters report that 3 to 6 inches of rain has already fallen over portions of Forsyth, Guilford and Alamance counties during the past 12 hours. With soils already saturated, any additional heavy rainfall could quickly produce flooding of roads, low-lying areas and poor drainage locations.
Motorists should expect reduced visibility, standing water and slower travel during the morning commute. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways, as water depths and road conditions can be impossible to judge.
The National Weather Service will continue monitoring rainfall trends throughout the morning and may issue additional Flood Advisories or Flash Flood Warnings if heavier rain persists. Residents across central North Carolina should closely monitor weather alerts until the rain moves out later today.
